A Connector System

ABSTRACT

There is provided an interface module ( 200 ), comprising: an interface ( 208 ) for connection with a signal connector ( 250 ); a cage ( 206 ) for guiding the signal connector towards the interface; and a heat sink ( 202 ). The cage ( 206 ) comprises a cage portion ( 212 ) that is configured to move from a first position to a second position upon insertion of the signal connector ( 250 ) into the cage. In the first position, the cage portion is not in thermal contact with the heat sink; when in the second position, the cage portion is in thermal contact with the heat sink. The cage portion ( 212 ) comprises one or more apertures ( 218 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of connectors, such aselectrical or optical connectors, and particularly to connectorsrequiring a heat sink.

BACKGROUND

Typical connector systems include a cable assembly and a connectormounted on a board such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The cableassembly, which commonly includes a pair of plug connectors on oppositeends of a cable, is configured to transmit signals over a certaindistance. The board-mounted connector may comprise a receptacle, orcage, configured to receive and mate with one of the plug connectors,ensuring a secure connection between the cable assembly and an interfaceon the board. A signal (such as an electrical or optical signal) maythus be received at the interface via the cable, or transmitted from theinterface via the cable.

One issue that has arisen in the development of such connector systemsis the build-up of heat in and around the receptacle. This problem isparticularly pronounced for active cable assemblies (i.e. cables havingembedded circuitry to boost their performance). In order to address thisproblem, heat sinks have been used to dissipate the heat that builds upin the connector.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional interface module 100,shown in cross section. The interface module 100 may be suitable for usein a larger apparatus, such as a computer system, a server, or anothernetwork component, for inputting or outputting signals via an electricalor optical cable assembly.

The module 100 comprises a housing 102, which substantially encloses andsurrounds the internal components of the module 100. A PCB 104 is fixedto one internal surface of the housing 102, and a cage or receptacle 106is fixed to the PCB 104. The cage 106 is hollow, and comprises anopening, a rear face opposite the opening, and a main body extendingbetween the opening and the rear face. The opening is aligned with acorresponding opening in the housing 102, such that a connector (e.g. aconnector for a cable assembly) can be inserted through the opening, andis guided towards the rear of the cage by the main body. The cage 106may define an internal space or bore, having a cross section thatcomplements the cross section of the connector, so as to guide theconnector accurately to an interface 108 that is positioned towards therear of the cage 106. When the connector is fully inserted in the cage106, it mates with the interface 108 such that signals can pass from theconnector to the PCB 104 via the interface 108, or from the PCB 104 tothe connector via the interface 108.

In order to dissipate excess heat that may build up in the connectorwhile in use, the module 100 further comprises a heat sink 110 thatextends over an upper surface of the cage 106. In the illustration theheat sink 110 is supported by the PCB 104, but alternatively the heatsink 110 may be coupled to an internal surface of the module 100 or someother structure within the module 100. The heat sink 110 may bemanufactured from a material having a high thermal conductivity, andcomprise one or more fins or other features designed to dissipate heat.

One factor that affects the efficiency of the heat sink is its thermalinterface with the heat source, i.e. the connector. In order to improvethe thermal interface between the heat sink and the connector, the cage106 may comprise one or more apertures 112 through which the heat sink110 can be coupled directly to the connector. For example, FIG. 1 showsa single, large aperture 112 in the upper surface of the cage 106. Theheat sink 110 may comprise one or more corresponding features thatextend through the aperture to engage with the connector once it isinserted into the cage 106. One or more spring clips may be used to holdand press the heat sink 110 and the cage 106 together, to increase thethermal contact between the heat sink 110 and the connector.

However, there are a number of problems with the arrangement shown inFIG. 1 . One problem is the number of components required to achieve anadequate thermal connection between the connector and the heat sink. Forexample, spring clips may be required to press the heat sink 110 and thecage 106 together. Such clips may be difficult to handle, even inautomated manufacturing systems. Further, the heat sink 110 itself is alarge component that takes up a considerable volume within the interfacemodule 100.

A connector system is required that addresses one or more of theseproblems.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an interface module,comprising: an interface for connection with a signal connector; a cagefor guiding the signal connector towards the interface; and a heat sink.The cage comprises a cage portion that is configured to move from afirst position to a second position upon insertion of the signalconnector into the cage. In the first position, the cage portion is notin thermal contact with the heat sink; when in the second position, thecage portion is in thermal contact with the heat sink. The cage portioncomprises one or more apertures.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus comprising one ormore interface modules as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of examples of the present invention, and toshow more clearly how the examples may be carried into effect, referencewill now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a conventional interface module incross section;

FIG. 2 a is a schematic drawing of an interface module according toembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 b shows a floating portion of the interface module according toembodiments of the disclosure in more detail;

FIGS. 3 a to 3 c show the insertion of a connector into the interfacemodule according to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure;and

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of an interface module according toembodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 a shows an interface module 200 according to embodiments of thedisclosure. The interface module 200 may be suitable for use in acomputerized or processing apparatus, such as a networked computer,server or a network node for a telecommunications network.

The module 200 comprises a housing 202 that surrounds and substantiallyencloses the components within the module 200. The housing 202 may bemanufactured from any suitably robust material, so as to providestructural support for the components inside the module 200, andprotection from damage and the ingress of dust and dirt, etc. Accordingto embodiments of the disclosure, the material for the housing 202 mayalso be chosen such that the housing 202 acts as a thermal conductor(i.e. the material may have a relatively high coefficient of thermalconduction). For example, the housing 202 may be manufactured from ametal, such as aluminium, steel sheet metal, copper sheet metal, or ingeneral any other thermally conductive material.

In FIG. 2 a , the upper part of the housing 202 is not shown so as toshow the internal components of the module 200. The module thuscomprises a substrate 204, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) 204,that is affixed to an internal surface of the housing 202.

Mounted on the PCB is a receptacle or cage 206 for a connector. Furtherdetail of the cage 206 can be seen in FIG. 3 a.

The cage 206 is substantially hollow, and comprises an opening 211 atone end, a rear face at an end that is opposite to the opening, and acage body 207 extending between the opening and the rear face. Aninterface 208 (seen in FIG. 3 a ) is positioned within the cage,towards, adjacent or at the rear face of the cage. The interface 208extends through the base of the cage 206, and provides a connection tocircuitry in the PCB 204. The interface 208 may possess a shape andstructure that is complementary to a corresponding shape and structureof a connector, such that the connector mates with the interface 208upon complete insertion of the connector into the cage 206. In someaspects, the module 200 comprises one or more interfaces 208, andoptionally comprises further components, e.g. processing circuitry (e.g.in PCB 204) which may be common or individual to the one or moreinterfaces 208. The housing 202 is configured to extend over the one ormore interfaces 208 and further components.

The opening 211 of the cage is aligned with a corresponding opening inthe housing 202, such that a connector can be inserted from outside themodule 200, through the opening 211, and into the cage 206. Uponcomplete insertion of the connector in the cage 206, the connector mateswith the interface 208 to form a signal connection with the PCB 204.Input and output signals (such as electrical or optical signals) canthus be passed between the connector (and its corresponding cable) andthe PCB 204.

In one embodiment, the cage 206 defines an internal volume which,together with the opening 211, possesses a cross-sectional shape thatcomplements the cross-sectional shape of the connector. The cage 206thus guides the connector towards the interface 208 and ensures anaccurate and repeatable connection between the connector and theinterface 208.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cage 206 has a rectangularcross-section, and the corresponding internal volume is also rectangularin cross-section (so as to match a corresponding rectangularcross-section of a connector). The cage body 207 thus comprises asubstantially flat upper surface, and substantially flat sidewallsrunning between the upper surface and the PCB 204. The cage body 207 mayalso comprise a base lying in contact with the PCB 204; however, inother embodiments the cage body 207 may not have a base. Those skilledin the art will also appreciate that, in other embodiments, the cage maytake a different shape (e.g. so as to match a corresponding shape of aconnector).

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the cage 206 furthercomprises a portion (called herein a “floating portion”) 212 located inthe upper surface of the cage body 207. The floating portion 212 may bemovable with respect to the cage body 207. In the illustratedembodiment, the floating portion 212 comprises a plate that is separatedfrom the upper surface of the cage body 207 along three edges thereof.At these three edges (i.e. two side edges and a third edge that isdistal to the opening 211), the floating portion is not coupled to thecage body 207. At the edge 216 closest to the opening 211, the floatingportion is coupled to the cage body, such that the portion 212 acts as aflap and is able to move up and down relative to the body 207, i.e. intoand out of the space defined by the cage 206 for receiving theconnector. In some examples, the floating portion 212 is integrallyformed with a remainder of the cage body 207. In alternativeembodiments, the floating portion 212 may comprise a separate materialthat is connected to the cage body 207 in a substantially similarmanner, along an edge or connection 216.

The example described refers to the floating portion 212 as beinglocated in an upper surface of the cage body. In some aspects, thefloating portion may be located in a surface of the cage body adjacentto, parallel to, or facing, an area of the housing. The module 200 maybe orientated so that the surface in which the floating portion islocated is facing vertically, horizontally or at an angle to vertical.

In FIGS. 2 a and 3 a-3 c , the floating portion 212 is shown at alocation within the internal volume of the cage 206. For example,according to embodiments of the disclosure, the floating portion 212 mayextend approximately 1 mm into the internal volume defined by the cage206. The floating portion 212 may be biased towards this position (e.g.through the resilience of the material forming the floating portion andparticularly the connection 216 to the cage body). Upon insertion of aconnector into the cage 206, however, the floating portion is urgedupwards, out of or away from the internal volume of the cage 206. Thefloating portion 212 is urged out of the internal volume of the cage 206by physical contact with the connector, i.e. as the connector isinserted. For example, if the cage defines an axis representing thedirection of insertion of the connector (i.e. from the opening 211 tothe interface 208), the floating portion 212 is urged in a directionaway from the axis, e.g. substantially laterally away from the axis.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, a layer of thermal interfacematerial 214 may be provided on an outer surface of the floating portion212. The thermal interface material 214 may be any material suitable forthe transfer of thermal energy (i.e. a material having very high thermalconductivity). However, for reasons that will be apparent from thedisclosure below, the thermal interface material should not have strongadhesive properties. Suitable materials for this purpose include thermalgrease, thermal gap filler, or a thermal pad.

FIG. 2 b shows a view of the floating portion 212 in which the layer ofthermal portion 214 has been removed so as not to obscure detail in thestructure of the floating portion 212.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the floating portion 212comprises one or more apertures or holes 218. The apertures 218 permitflexing of the floating portion 212 so as to adhere more closely to aconnector inserted into the cage 206, and thus create a better thermalconnection between the connector and a heat sink. According toembodiments of the disclosure, the floating portion 212 comprises aplurality of apertures 218. In some embodiments, the floating portion212 comprises at least five apertures 218, or at least seven apertures218, or at least nine apertures 218.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 218 are elongate, andarranged in a direction which is substantially parallel to a direction220 of insertion of the connector into the cage 206. In this way, theapertures 218 or slots are unlikely to foul on the connector or impedeits insertion into the cage 206. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the apertures may take different shapes than thatillustrated. Further, a single floating portion 212 may comprisemultiple apertures 218 having diverse shapes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 218 are arranged parallelto each other and side-by-side, such that the floating portion 212comprises elongate sections 219 in between adjacent pairs of apertures218. Each elongate section 219 is connected at its respective ends tothe floating portion 212, but is otherwise unconnected. Thus, eachsection is able to flex under the action of a connector on its insertioninto the cage 206. The flexing of the section 219 is at least partiallyindependent of the other sections 219. These elongate sections permitflexing of the floating portion 212 as a whole, primarily about an axisorthogonal to the direction 220 of insertion of the connector, but alsoabout an axis parallel to the direction 220 of insertion of theconnector. In this way, the floating portion 212 conforms closely to theshape of the connector and this creates an improved thermal connectionbetween the connector and the cage 206.

In this example, the floating portion 212 comprises partially separatedsections 219, wherein the floating portion 212 is integrally formed withthe cage body 207. As such, the partially separated sections 219 may beintegrally formed with the cage body 207. The sections 219 may beintegrally formed with each other and end sections of the floatingportion 212 connecting the sections 219. The sections 219 of thefloating portion 212 are configured to be pushed by the connector out ofthe space of the cage, as the connector is inserted. The partialseparation of the sections 219 (by the apertures) allows the sections219 to move partially independently. Thus, the floating portion isarranged to deform or adapt to any irregularity in the connector or heatsink surface, providing for improved physical contact and hence thermalflow from the connector to the heat sink.

FIGS. 3 a to 3 c show the insertion of a connector 250 into theinterface module 200 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

The connector 250 may form part of a cable assembly, comprising a cablewith two plug connectors positioned at either end. The cable assemblymay be configured to transfer optical or electrical signals to or fromthe interface module 200, and thus the interface 208 and associatedcircuitry in the PCB 204 may be configured to convert optical signals tocorresponding electrical signals and vice versa, or to transferelectrical signals from the PCB 204 to the connector 250 and vice versa.The connector 250 may take any form, including small form factorpluggable (SFP), quad SFP (QSFP), C form-factor pluggable (CFP) and XSPconnectors.

In FIG. 3 a , while at rest, the floating portion 212 lies at leastpartially within the internal volume of the cage 206. In this position,a distance between the floating portion 212 and a base surface of thecage is smaller than a corresponding dimension (e.g. height) of theconnector. In some aspects, a distance between the floating portion 212and a base surface of the cage is smaller than a corresponding dimension(e.g. height) of the opening of the cage.

In FIG. 3 b , the connector 250 is inserted through the opening 211 ofthe cage 206, and engages with the floating portion 212. In particular,the connector 250 first engages with the edge 216 that extends down fromthe cage body 207 into the internal volume.

The internal volume has a cross-sectional shape that complements thecross-sectional shape of the connector 250. Thus the floating portion212 is pushed outwardly (that is, away from the direction of motion ofthe connector 250) by further insertion of the connector 250 into thecage, against the biasing provided by the resilience of the materialused in the edge 216. Further, the apertures 218 permit flexing of thefloating portion 212 to conform to the shape of the connector 250. Assuch, the separate sections 219 are configured to deform or flex toprovide for good thermal contact across the whole area of the floatingportion 212.

In FIG. 3 c , the connector 250 is shown entirely inserted into the cage206, and coupled to the interface 208. The floating portion 212 ispushed outwards from the internal volume, such that the layer of thermalinterface material 214 comes into thermal contact with the housing 202.The apertures 218 permit flexing of the floating portion 212, such thatthe thermal connection between the connector 250, the floating portion212 and the thermal interface material 214 is increased. In thisconfiguration, the connector 250 is thus provided with a thermalinterface with the housing 202, which can then act as a heat sink forthe heat that builds up in the connector 250 during use. In someembodiments, a further layer of thermal interface material may beprovided on the housing 202, such that the layer 214 comes into contactwith the further layer of thermal interface material rather than thehousing directly. In either configuration, no separate heat sink isrequired in the interface module, as the housing provides the necessarydissipation of heat. Thus, when the connector is fully inserted into thecage, the connector and housing are in good thermal contact, via thefloating portion, i.e. the connector and floating portion, and thefloating portion and housing, are in direct physical contact. Thisprovides for dissipation of heat from the connector to the housing, viathe floating portion, and subsequent dissipation from the housing to thesurrounding environment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the precise dimensions ofthe connector system described above, as well as the materials used,etc, may be varied so as to provide an optimal compromise between easeof use and thermal transfer efficiency.

For example, the engagement of the connector 250 with the floatingportion 212 (i.e. upon initial insertion) will inevitably provide someresistance to the further insertion of the connector into the cage 206.By coupling the floating portion to the cage body at an edge 216 that isproximal to the opening 211 of the cage (e.g. and so that the edge 216is angled with respect to the direction of motion of the connector 250),the force required to insert the connector 250 can be reduced.

Further, the thickness of the thermal transfer material layer 214, thedistance of the cage from the inner surface of the housing 202, and thetolerance of the connector 250 within the cage 206 (i.e. the extent towhich the connector is able to move in a direction lateral to thedirection of insertion) can all be varied so as to alter the efficiencyof the thermal interface with the housing 202 (i.e. altering the forcewith which the floating portion is urged into contact with the housing)and the ease with which the connector can be inserted into the cage. Ingeneral, the easier it is to insert the connector 250, the lessefficient the thermal interface will be with the housing 202. Inpractice, a compromise is needed between these two requirements.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that connector systems may varyfrom the precise illustrated embodiments without departing from thescope of the claims appended hereto. For example, in the illustratedembodiments, the housing 202 acts as a heat sink, and no additional heatsink is provided within the housing 202. However, in other embodimentsof the disclosure, a separate heat sink may be provided. In theseembodiments, rather than being urged into thermal contact with thehousing 202, the floating portion 212 is urged into engagement with theheat sink (which may take a similar form to that shown in FIG. 1 ). Thefloating portion still provides an efficient mechanism for achievinggood thermal contact between an inserted connector and a heat sink.

Further, only a single PCB 204 is shown in the illustration, with asingle cage 206. However, it will be appreciated that the interfacemodule 200 may comprise multiple PCBs and/or multiple cages. That is, asingle PCB may be connected to one or more cages, and more than one PCBmay be provided in a single interface module. In these embodiments, asingle housing may be provided encasing (and providing a heat sink for)multiple cages. Alternatively, one or more separate heat sinks may beprovided for the cages.

FIG. 4 shows an apparatus 300 according to embodiments of thedisclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 300 is acomputing apparatus (e.g. a computer, or server). In other embodiments,however, the apparatus may be any device that receives or transmitsinput or output signals (whether electric signals or optical signals),and thus has need of an input/output connector system. For example, theapparatus may be a node within a telecommunications network. In someexamples, the apparatus comprises one or more, e.g. a plurality, ofinterface modules as described. In some aspects, the housing 202, actingas the heat sink, is common to the plurality of interface modules.

The apparatus 300 comprises processing circuitry 302, and acomputer-readable medium 304 (such as memory) coupled to the processingcircuitry 302. The apparatus further comprises one or more interfacemodule 200, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 a to 3 c,coupled to the processor circuitry 302 and the memory 304. The interfacemodule 200 provides one or more input/output connections to externaldevices or network components, via a cable assembly. Thus signalsreceived via the interface module 200 can be passed to the processorcircuitry 302 for demodulation, while the processor circuitry 302 cangenerate and transmit signals via the interface module 200.

As described above, heat sinks (such as that included in or provided bythe housing 202) are used in connector systems to dissipate excess heatthat may build up whilst a connector is in use. Systems with a highdensity of optical and electronic components can generate large amountsof heat, which can lead to the components being subject to thermalstress. Pluggable optical and electronic modules are particularlyaffected, as they often contain embedded components that generate alarge amount of heat. This can be a particular issue when componentsthat draw a large amount of power (e.g. 15 Watts or more) are included,as mechanical cooling methods may no longer be sufficient to dissipatethe generated heat. Therefore, more effective cooling mechanisms arerequired for connector systems.

Accordingly, FIG. 5 shows an interface module 500 according to furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

Corresponding to the module 200 described above with respect to FIGS. 2and 3 a to 3 c, the module 500 comprises a substrate 504 (which may be aPCB) upon which a receptacle or cage 506 is mounted. An interface 508 ispositioned within the cage, extending through the base of the cage 506to provide a connection to circuitry in the substrate 504. Uponinsertion of a connector into the cage 506, the connector mates with theinterface 508 to form a signal connection with the substrate 504. Inputand output signals (such as electrical or optical signals) can thus bepassed between the connector (and its corresponding cable) and thesubstrate 504.

The cage 506 comprises a cage portion (called herein the “floatingportion”) 512, corresponding to the floating portion 212 described abovein relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 a to 3 c. Therefore, as described for thefloating portion 212, the floating portion 512 is movable from a firstposition in which the floating portion 512 lies at least partiallywithin the internal volume of the cage 506 to a second position in whichthe floating portion is pushed outwards from the internal volume of thecage 506. The floating portion 512 moves from this first position to thesecond position when a connector is fully inserted into the cage 506.The floating portion 512 also comprises one or more apertures (notillustrated), as described above with respect to FIG. 2 b.

In addition to the interface module 200 described above in relation toFIGS. 2 and 3 a to 3 c, the interface module 500 further comprises athermoelectric cooling device 518 (e.g., a Peltier device) between thecage portion 512 and a heat sink 502. A current may be applied acrossthe thermoelectric cooling device 518 to transfer heat from the cageportion 512 to the heat sink 502 when the thermoelectric cooling device518 is in thermal contact with the heat sink 502 and the cage portion512. As such, the thermoelectric cooling device 518, e.g. a Peltierdevice, is an active device which requires a power supply. Thethermoelectric cooling device 518 provides an increased transfer of heatto the heat sink. The thermoelectric cooling device 518 mayalternatively be termed a thermoelectric heat pump, thermoelectriccooler or solid-state active heat pump.

In the example of the thermoelectric cooling device 518 being a Peltierdevice, the thermoelectric cooling device 518 is configured andfunctions according to the known operations of a Peltier device in orderto transfer heat to the heat sink. The Peltier device may alternativelybe known as a Peltier heat pump or Peltier cooler. Examples utilize thePeltier effect to provide increased heat transfer from the floatingportion 512 to the heat sink, compared to a passive thermal connection.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric cooling device 518 isdirectly coupled to the floating portion 512 so that the thermoelectriccooling device 518 rests on the cage portion 512. As noted above withrespect to FIG. 2 b , the apertures in the floating portion 512 permitflexing and therefore a better thermal connection between thethermoelectric cooling device 518 and a connector inserted into the cage506. The module 500 further comprises a first layer of thermal interfacematerial 520 between the thermoelectric cooling device 518 and the heatsink 502. The first layer of thermal interface material 520 functions asa gasket to provide a good thermal contact between the thermoelectriccooling device 518 and the heat sink 502. In the example shown, thefirst layer of thermal interface material 520 is affixed to thethermoelectric cooling device 518 in the illustrated embodiment, and isthen moved into physical contact with the heat sink by movement of thefloating portion 512 into the second position. In an alternativeexample, the first layer of thermal interface material 520 is affixed tothe heat sink 502. In this case, the thermoelectric cooling device 518is moved into physical contact with the first layer of thermal interfacematerial 520 (affixed to the heat sink) by movement of the floatingportion 512 into the second position.

The first layer of thermal interface material 520 may be similar inconstruction and function to the thermal interface material 214described above in relation to FIGS. 3 a to 3 c . Thus, the thermalinterface material 520 may be any material suitable for the transfer ofthermal energy (i.e. a material having very high thermal conductivity).The thermal interface material 520 may take the form of a gasket or sealthat provides an effective thermal interface between the thermoelectriccooling device 518 and the heat sink 502.

Thus, when the floating portion 512 is moved from the first position tothe second position (e.g. when a connector is fully inserted into thecage 506), the thermoelectric cooling device 518 is brought into thermalcontact with heat sink 502 via the first layer of thermal interfacematerial 520. Accordingly, when a connector is fully inserted into thecage 506, the connector and the heat sink 502 are in thermal contact viathe floating portion 512, the thermoelectric cooling device 518 and thefirst layer of thermal interface material 520. Heat from the connectormay thus be efficiently transferred to the heat sink 502 by thethermoelectric cooling device 518, allowing the connector to be cooledmore effectively.

A second layer of thermal interface material (not shown) may bepositioned between the thermoelectric cooling device 518 and thefloating portion 512. The second layer of thermal interface material maybe in addition to, or instead of the first layer of thermal interfacematerial 520. For example, the first layer of the thermal interfacematerial may be omitted, and the second layer of thermal interfacematerial may be positioned between the floating portion 512 and thethermoelectric cooling device 518. Alternatively, the module 500 may beprovided with first and second layers of thermal interface materialpositioned between the heat sink 502 and the thermoelectric coolingdevice 518, and the thermoelectric cooling device 518 and the floatingportion 512 respectively.

The application of the first and/or second layers of thermal interfacematerial may provide a more effective thermal interface between the heatsink 502 and the thermoelectric cooling device 518, and/or thethermoelectric cooling device 518 and the floating portion 512respectively. In particular, the use of one or more layers of thermalinterface material may minimise the presence of air pockets or gapsbetween the heat sink 502, thermoelectric cooling device 518 and thefloating portion 512, providing a closer fit, and therefore moreefficient thermal interface, between these parts of the module 500.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second layers of the thermalinterface material may be omitted entirely. In such embodiments, when aconnector is inserted and the floating portion 512 is in the secondposition, the connector and floating portion 512, and the floatingportion 512 and the thermoelectric cooling device 518, are in directphysical contact.

In some aspects, which may be combined with any example embodiment, thethermoelectric cooling device 518 is affixed to the heat sink 502. Themovement of the floating portion 512 to the second position moves thefloating portion 512 into thermal contact with the thermoelectriccooling device 518. The thermal contact may be via physical contact witha second layer of the thermal interface material affixed to the floatingportion 512 and/or heat sink 502.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink 502 comprises a pluralityof fins designed to dissipate heat. However, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the heat sink 502 may take any suitable shape orform. In some embodiments, the heat sink 502 may be provided as part ofa housing that substantially encloses and surrounds the internalcomponents of the module 500 (e.g., such that the housing itself acts asa heat sink as described above with respect to FIG. 2 a ).Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 , the heatsink 502 may be provided as a separate component.

Embodiments of the disclosure thus provide an efficient mechanism forthe dissipation of heat in an input/output connector system. The cage orreceptacle of a connector system is provided with a floating portionthat is movable, upon insertion of a connector into the cage, intoengagement with a heat sink. The floating portion comprises one or moreapertures which permit or increase its flexibility. The connector isthus placed into reliable, efficient thermal contact with the heat sink,without requiring multiple components (such as spring clips, etc) tobring the connector and heat sink together. In some embodiments, thehousing of the interface module, in which the connector system islocated, can act as a heat sink itself. In these embodiments, aseparate, dedicated heat sink is therefore not required and aconsiderable space saving in the interface module results.

The above disclosure sets forth specific details, such as particularembodiments or examples for purposes of explanation and not limitation.It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other examples maybe employed apart from these specific details.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. An interface module, comprising: an interface forconnection with a signal connector; a cage for guiding the signalconnector towards the interface; and a heat sink; wherein the cagecomprises a cage portion that is configured to move from a firstposition to a second position upon insertion of the signal connectorinto the cage, wherein, when in the first position, the cage portion isnot in thermal contact with the heat sink, wherein, when in the secondposition, the cage portion is in thermal contact with the heat sink, andwherein the cage portion comprises one or more apertures.
 23. Theinterface module according to claim 22, wherein the one or moreapertures are elongate.
 24. The interface module according to claim 23,wherein the one or more apertures are elongate in a directionsubstantially parallel to a direction of insertion of the signalconnector into the cage.
 25. The interface module according to claim 22,wherein the cage portion comprises a plurality of apertures, and whereinthe plurality of apertures are arranged side by side.
 26. The interfacemodule according to claim 22, wherein the one or more apertures compriseslots.
 27. The interface module according to claim 22, wherein the cageportion comprises a plurality of apertures and a plurality of elongatesections separated by the apertures, and wherein the elongate sectionsare configured to flex independently of each other.
 28. The interfacemodule according to claim 27, wherein each elongate section is connectedat its respective ends to the cage and separated from other elongatesections at a portion between the respective ends by the apertures. 29.The interface module according to claim 27, wherein the cage portioncomprises at least five elongate sections.
 30. The interface moduleaccording to claim 22, wherein the cage defines an internal volume andwherein, when in the first position, the cage portion extends into theinternal volume.
 31. The interface module according to claim 30, whereinthe cage portion is configured such that insertion of the signalconnector urges the cage portion outwardly from the internal volumetowards the second position.
 32. The interface module according to claim22, wherein the cage portion is biased towards the first position. 33.The interface module according to claim 22, wherein the cage furthercomprises a cage body, and wherein the cage portion is coupled to thecage body and movable relative to the cage body, and wherein the cageportion is coupled to the cage body via one edge of the cage portion,with the remaining edges of the cage portion unconnected to the cagebody.
 34. The interface module according to claim 22, wherein the cageportion comprises a first layer of thermal interface material.
 35. Theinterface module according to claim 22, wherein the interface modulefurther comprises a thermoelectric cooling device between the cageportion and the heat sink.
 36. The interface module according to claim35, wherein, when the cage portion is in the first position, thethermoelectric cooling device is in thermal contact with only one of thecage portion and the heat sink, and wherein, when the cage portion is inthe second position, the thermoelectric cooling device is in thermalcontact with both the heat sink and the cage portion.
 37. The interfacemodule according to claim 35, wherein the interface module furthercomprises a first layer of thermal interface material between thethermoelectric cooling device and the cage portion.
 38. The interfacemodule according to claim 35, wherein the interface module furthercomprises a second layer of thermal interface material between thethermoelectric cooling device and the heat sink.
 39. An apparatuscomprising one or more interface modules, each interface modulecomprising: an interface for connection with a signal connector; a cagefor guiding the signal connector towards the interface; and a heat sink;wherein the cage comprises a cage portion that is configured to movefrom a first position to a second position upon insertion of the signalconnector into the cage, wherein, when in the first position, the cageportion is not in thermal contact with the heat sink, wherein, when inthe second position, the cage portion is in thermal contact with theheat sink, and wherein the cage portion comprises one or more apertures.40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 39, wherein the one or moreinterface modules comprises a plurality of interface modules.